Mexico City Reduces GHG Emissions by 5.7 Million Metric Tonnes

Jul 26, 2011

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been reduced by an accumulated 5.7 million metric tonnes (mt) in Mexico City since it began implementing its Green Plan in 2008, the Mexico City government recently announced.

The reduction represents 82 percent of Mexico City's overall target of reducing GHG emissions by 7 million mt of CO2eq, which was established by the Green Plan. Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City, said the city will realize the full target of 7 million mt on schedule next year.

"Over the past four years, we have made significant progress toward becoming one of the world's most sustainable cities by promoting environmental stewardship not only in our government operations but also by encouraging widespread business and citizen participation," Mayor Ebrard said.

Mexico City's Green Plan is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It includes initiatives and investments in transportation, energy and water conservation, solid waste management, air quality, reforestation and climate adaptation.

The transport sector, which accounts for 44 percent of total GHG emissions in Mexico City, was responsible for an accumulated reduction of 4.8 million mt of CO2eq. Mayor Ebrard cited a 350 percent expansion of the Metrobus system, replacement of 84,000 high-emission microbuses and taxis, development of Zero Emissions Corridors, development of the Ecobibi bicycle sharing network and construction of a new Metro subway line as contributing factors.

Martha Delgado, Minister of the Environment, said reforestation efforts and prevention of forest fires contributed to a GHG reduction of 607,846 mt, while improvements in energy conservation contributed 183,425 mt of CO2eq. Separation of organic and non-organic solid waste contributed to a reduction of 127,175 mt of CO2 and methane. In December, Mexico City is scheduled to close Bordo Poniente, one of the world's largest solid waste facilities, which by itself is responsible for 16 percent of the metropolitan area's GHG emissions.

Mayor Ebrard is also serving as chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate. In this capacity, he hosted mayors from around the world last November to sign the Mexico City Pact, a voluntary agreement among cities to cooperate and report their climate efforts. To date, nearly 200 cities around the world have signed the agreement.